Kunle Adelabu
Hon. (Dr.) Adeola Banjo, former Chairman, Ikorodu North West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has charged his former colleagues who are still serving, on leadership, stating that they are elected to serve, while urging them to always make themselves available for their people at all time.
Banjo, who served for about 10 years as the Chief Executive Officer of Ikorodu North LCDA, first as Executive Secretary and two terms as elected Chairman, further stressed that true leadership is found when there is integrity in service and compassion for others.
He gave the charge when presenting frames to congratulate his former colleagues (Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba and Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju) who are re – elected for a second term in office as chairmen of ljede and Ikorodu West Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), respectively, and also showed appreciation to them, at their various homes on Tuesday.
“Leadership is not about sitting at the head of a table, it is about having the heart to serve at the feet of others. It is not about being above the people, but among them. True leadership is not a position, it is a presence. It is the quiet ability to listen when others talk, to calm when others fear, and to build when others only criticize.
“You know what it means to wake before dawn and sleep after midnight, to stretch resources, to manage pressures, and still find a reason to smile for the people who look up to you. That is why leadership is sacred, because it demands everything and yet rewards with peace only when it is done with love.
“My brother, you are not called to rule but to serve. To lead is to love in action. Every road you fix, every market you touch, every youth you empower, every mother you help, all these are acts of worship when done with sincerity. Leadership is not the search for power, it is the fulfillment of purpose.
“True leadership does not live in grand speeches or ceremonies, it breathes in the unseen moments when you choose integrity over convenience and compassion over pride. It is the grace to keep moving even when no one claps, knowing that heaven still keeps the record”, the former council boss emphasised.
He further charged his former colleagues to understand that people entrusted their hopes and aspirations to them with their mandates, and urged them to always listen to them and ensure that they leave office better than they met it.
He prayed for them for wisdom and proper guidance to succeed in their second term in office.
“And so I pray for you, my friend. May this second term bring you greater peace, clearer vision, and renewed strength. May your heart remain soft even as your responsibilities grow. May your hands never tire from doing good. May your leadership become a light that guides, heals, and inspires.
“As I present this frame, may peace guide your heart, may prosperity crown your efforts, and may joy follow you in every step of your service. May the meaning of these words live with you as a reminder that leadership is not a season but a seed, one that, when sown with love, will bloom long after our days of service have passed.
“May heaven honour your labour, and may your name remain a blessing upon this land”, Hon. Banjo prayed.
The duo of Hon. Gbadebo – Alogba and Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, commended their former colleagues’ gesture and prayers, describing him as a good brother and friend.
In her remarks, the Ijede council boss, expressed surprise at the visit, and lauded the good gesture extended to her.
“This is very overwhelming. When Banjo called that they were coming, I really did not know it was going to be this big. I think I’ve been seeing the visitations but since we were not there to know what happened behind the scenes, I just thought it was the proper presentation of frames and all of that.
“I feel honored. Banjo, thank you very much. Banjo is not just a senior colleague, he is a father, and a very good brother. You know that I was the youngest amongst all of them (the immediate past six chairmen in Ikorodu), but they did relate with me like that and I really flow well with Banjo.
“God bless you. This is not going to be the end of your journey. Thank you very much”.
While thanking Banjo’s team, Hon. Gbadebo – Alogba said that the way he maintained his friendship with those that he served with while he was in the office, was inspiring to her.
“I thank everyone who came with him. Thank you for standing by him. It is really inspiring and a lesson for me too because getting out of the office is another journey entirely. Thank you very much”, she said.
In his own remarks, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem, described Banjo as a good friend, and also commended him for the unique gesture.
“What you did today, I don’t know where you got the idea from. You have done it in a unique way. I have never heard it in Ikorodu history, even in Lagos history, that when someone leaves office today, it will be done in a unique way like this. This is very novel.
“I don’t know what to say because what you have done is overwhelming. I give it to you.
“You are my leader and you have shown me an example and a way of saying thank you”.
The Ikorodu West council also stated that his former colleague has challenged him to start thinking of what to do when he leaves office.
He also said that Banjo had quality and sincere people that worked with him which underlined his quality activities after office, and why they are still with him.
In Banjo’s entourage during the visitations were Mr Biodun Banjo, former Chief of Staff to Hon. Banjo, Mr Babatunde Amataye Olowu, an associate of the former chairman, Mrs Lydia Agoro, former Supervisor for Special Duties, Mrs Jumoke Kasali, Woman Leader, Ikorodu North LCDA, Comrade Babatunde Adekija, Alhaji Ambali Olutusi, former Supervisor Counsellor for Works and Mr Alaba Newman.
